Amid a deadly heatwave in Europe, tragedy struck in Italy as a young boy succumbed to heatstroke while on holiday with his family in Olmedo, northwest Sardinia. The four-year-old wandered out of his accommodation unnoticed, only to be found unconscious in the family car by his distraught parents.
Despite being swiftly airlifted to a hospital in Rome, the child tragically passed away due to irreversible brain damage. The scorching heatwave sweeping through parts of Europe has pushed temperatures above 40C in southern France and the Western Balkans.
The extreme heat has led to wildfires in various regions, triggering weather warnings and evacuations across multiple countries. Experts warn that Europe is experiencing rapid warming compared to the global average, with land temperatures rising significantly above pre-industrial levels.
Countries like France, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and Turkey are battling wildfires, with Hungary also facing unprecedented high temperatures. The year 2025 is projected to be among the warmest ever recorded, reflecting a broader trend of increasing temperatures worldwide.
In France, red alerts were issued for 12 departments by Meteo-France, indicating severe heat warnings. Citizens across the country are grappling with the intense heatwave, which is disrupting daily life and posing health risks. The situation is compounded by the ongoing wildfires in various regions.
In Montenegro, blazes near the capital and coastline have prompted urgent requests for assistance, with families being evacuated to safety. The adverse weather conditions have also impacted neighbouring countries, with water shortages becoming a concern in some areas.
Across the region, temperatures have soared to unprecedented levels, prompting emergency measures and fire bans in several countries. The extreme heatwave is expected to persist, posing significant challenges for residents and authorities alike.